Contact Us

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Established by the Peace Corps in 1985 to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans, the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program is designed for the Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). Having gained valuable experience and skills while serving, the School of International Service (SIS) offers
financial support for their education while the
RPCVs serve the local DC community. Sites may include local schools, non-profits, local government agencies, and other NGOs.

The Fellows' substantive international service experience enhance students' international exposure and enrich classroom discussions through service learning projects, peace education, film, tutoring, and global and international studies curriculum development.

The financial benefit (scholarship) to Peace Corps Fellows starts at 8 credits (spread over two years) towards their degree. Fellows may be eligible for additional merit awards based on the faculty review of their application. There is no separate application process to apply to the Fellows program. Applicants must apply by the deadline of the term for which they are seeking admission to be eligible for merit award consideration.

I chose American because it's top in international affairs and also it's really heavy on the practice side over theory. It was immensely helpful after being so practice-oriented there and just getting your feet on the ground. I think it's really helped by giving me the actual skills that I didn't have in Peace Corps that would have been really helpful—actual tools that I can use in monitoring, evaluation, or how to hit the ground running in project development and grant writing.